By Dan Austin

Fact is a week doesn’t go by where someone doesn’t ask me…  ”how to I plan the perfect family adventure vacation?”  Seems after 20 plus years in the adventure travel business I just take it for granted that everyone just “knows”.

Over the years we have published a lot of good help and planning resources for finding the perfect adventure vacation, well this time I am going to really try and focus on how to plan a family vacation and what it takes to make it all flow so seamlessly. (more…)

By Ron Van Dijk

Cycling is truly a journey of the senses. And there is no better place than Europe, where the villages, castles, cathedrals and museums are unrivaled and the reward of breezing along under your own power is an exhilarating experience. What you see, what you feel, what you encounter is sharper and more relaxed, more complete, when the warm yellow sun, the lush green pastures and the crystal blue lakes dissolve the tension of our everyday lives.

You see the details that are only a blur to most tourists. You meet the country folk – on bicycle just like you. You come to understand the tranquility of a pace of life that is no faster than the pumping of a pedal. Free of gas…. Free of schedules and crowds!

But how to go about it? Well, first you will need to decide whether you wish to do an organized Europe biking tour, or whether you prefer to do it on your own, or maybe something in between. Here are your choices: (more…)

By Jonathan Burnham

Solo Italy trip!

Traveling solo is an amazing opportunity to see the world. It gives you the freedom to do what you want, when you want. Although I enjoy traveling with friends and family, some of my best memories were from trips where I traveled by myself. Traveling with friends and family can keep you from branching out and meeting new people. Traveling solo pushes you to try new things and meet new people, something that I think is a necessity when traveling. Trust me, I know the thought of getting on a plane and going to another country by yourself, where they don’t speak your native language and you don’t know anyone; can be a little overwhelming. That is why I came up with my top 10 tips for planning your solo adventure. (more…)

By Carol Austin

Carol Austin getting to know the locals

Over the past 13 seasons I have had the pleasure of working with many guests, helping them choose the adventure that is just right for them. That said, my favorite trips to plan are customs vacations and or exclusive adventures. I love going from A-Z, start to finish with the group, family, or just friends getting together for that special adventure vacation of a lifetime. Nothing gives me a better sense of accomplishment than knowing its another trip well done!

So many times I have heard conversations like this:  “At dinner with the Smith’s last week my husband John mentioned we were looking to take our family to Alaska and then the Smith’s chimed in they too were looking for an Alaskan Adventure. We started talking and mentioned we had such an amazing Family Adventure to Yellowstone with Austin-Lehman Adventures, we offered to make the call. The Smith’s then went on to mention their friends the Jone’s were talking about an Alaska Adventure as well. So I volunteered to call you”.

And there is starts…. You find yourself “chairing” the planning and scheduling of an adventure vacation for 3 families, with lots of different ideas, dreams and expectations. No need to be worried, every great experience starts with that first step….  And that first step doesn’t have to be overwhelming. (more…)

By Kasey Austin

Couples Adventure Vacations

Jack chuckles as he recalls his last vacation with Linda. As a newly dating couple, their first weeklong getaway included a map with too few details, lost hotel reservations, and forgotten picnic lunches on several occasions. Linda even had a run in with a beehive and guess who forgot to bring the first aid kit?! Jack appreciates the memories now but remembers the stresses of the critical moments on what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. Does this sound in any way familiar? Are you ready to plan the perfect getaway for you and your honey? Well, read onto discover some helpful hints on planning, preparing and playing on your next couples adventure! (more…)